Sachin Tendulkar on Wednesday revisited India’s historic victory in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, describing it as a moment where “the excitement never stopped” and a dream shared by an entire generation finally came true.
Marking 15 years since India lifted the trophy, Tendulkar took to social media to reflect on the emotions of that night at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, where the hosts defeated Sri Lanka national cricket team to end a 28-year wait for a World Cup title.
“The first ball always makes your heart race, and that night, it never stopped. 15 years later, it still stays with us. We all grew up as a bunch of young cricketers, united by one dream. To win the World Cup for India,” Tendulkar wrote.
India’s triumph in 2011 remains one of the most defining moments in the country’s cricketing history. Under the leadership of MS Dhoni, the team became the first host nation to win the 50-over World Cup.
In the final, Sri Lanka posted 274/6 riding on a century from Mahela Jayawardene. India’s chase began on a shaky note with early dismissals of Virender Sehwag and Tendulkar, but a crucial 97 from Gautam Gambhir steadied the innings.
Dhoni then produced a captain’s knock, finishing unbeaten on 91 and sealing the victory with a six, a moment that has since become one of the most iconic images in Indian sport.
Tendulkar, playing his sixth and final World Cup, was instrumental throughout the tournament. He emerged as India’s highest run-scorer with 482 runs in nine matches at an average of over 53, including two centuries.
The 2011 title was particularly significant for the batting great, who had chased the World Cup dream since his debut in 1989, inspired by India’s victory in the 1983 Cricket World Cup under Kapil Dev.
India’s win not only ended a decades-long wait but also marked the beginning of a dominant era in world cricket, setting benchmarks for future teams.
Even 15 years on, the 2011 World Cup triumph continues to resonate with fans, symbolising a rare blend of talent, leadership and collective belief that brought the nation together.
